Injury update

|

Injured South Sydney enforcer David Kidwell has set his sights on being part of the Rabbitohs' push for the NRL finals.

Initially thought to be out for the season after rupturing medial and cruciate ligaments in his left knee in April, Kidwell is now targeting a round 24 comeback for the resurgent Bunnies. The Kiwi Test backrower plans to resume running next week before beginning physical training in a month.

The Bunnies co-captain - one of the club's four big buys this year - suffered the injury when he tripped over his two-year-old daughter, Zali, at a family barbecue in April.

Melbourne's lofty position at the top of the ladder could be further bolstered by the return of Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater to face South Sydney on Saturday.

The injured stars trained today and fullback Slater, who has missed the past four games with cheekbone fractures, is rated a certainty to play. Halfback Cronk could also make a surprise return at Gosford after tearing his ankle ligament just over two weeks ago against the Cowboys, recovering a match earlier than initially predicted.

Melbourne's lead on the table has increased to four points following their bye and Manly's shock loss to St George Illawarra.